Poll Vault: What's a beloved holiday tradition in your family?

For many suburban families, the holiday season just wouldn't be complete without attending a performance of "The Nutcracker." The Schaumburg Dance Ensemble is presenting Tchaikovsky's ballet tonight, Saturday and Sunday at the Prairie Center for the Arts in Schaumburg.Courtesy of the Prairie Center for the Arts

I recently attended a gathering in which suburban women shared their families' holiday traditions.

Some described the cookies and candy they enjoy year after year. Others talked about eating lunch in the Walnut Room when Macy's was still known as Marshall Field's. And many of them reminisced about not only attending a performance of Handel's "Messiah," but also singing in the chorus.

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